Company collecting donations to help Durham seniors this Christmas

Comedy show in support of Hampers for Seniors project Nov. 29 in Ajax

DURHAM -- A new program needs help ensuring Durham Region seniors have basic necessities in time for Christmas and the start of the winter season.

T and E HealthPros Inc.'s Hampers for Seniors project is collecting non-perishable food items and toiletries to make Christmas hampers for hundreds of area seniors.

"There's not much for seniors out there as far as programs, so even if these seniors could access the food banks, they can't really," said Shelley Portelance, general manager at T and E HealthPros Inc. "They can't get out to pick up the groceries, because of mobility challenges and weather and things like that."

T and E HealthPros Inc. is working with non-profit community agencies to distribute hampers to seniors in need.

A comedy show in support of the project is being held at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 29 at Yuk Yuks Comedy Club in Ajax, 235 Bayly St. W. Tickets are $15 for the holiday-themed event, which features raffles, door prizes and 50/50 draws. For tickets, contact wanda@tnehealthpros.com or 905-433-9226. Donations of non-perishable food items and toiletries will be collected at the event.

The most-needed items for hampers are high-protein, easy-to-cook meals and toiletries such as shampoo, toothpaste and toilet paper. Tuna and salmon tins, low-sugar fruit cups and juices, peanut butter, crackers and cereal are also in high demand.

Donations can be dropped off until Dec. 14 at T and E HealthPros Inc., 843 King St. W. Unit 3, Oshawa. For more information on the project, and a full list of drop-off locations throughout Durham, visit www.tnehealthpros.com. To host a donation box, arrange a cash donation or request a hamper, call 905-433-9266.

Ms. Portelance said the hampers make a huge difference in the lives of Durham's seniors.

"Sometimes our seniors are forgotten about," she said. "We really need to support them and bring a smile to our seniors' faces at Christmas."
Reporter Tara Hatherly can be found on Twitter @Tara_Hatherly and on Facebook by searching Tara Hatherly.